What is the triad of alkaptonuria?

The triad of alkaptonuria refers to three main clinical features associated with the condition. Alkaptonuria is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by the body’s inability to properly break down certain amino acids, resulting in the accumulation of a substance called homogentisic acid. The triad of alkaptonuria includes: Dark urine: One of the earliest and […]

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What is the enzyme in alkaptonuria?

In alkaptonuria, the enzyme that is deficient or absent is called homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD). Homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase is responsible for breaking down an amino acid called phenylalanine and a related compound called tyrosine. Without functional HGD, these compounds are not properly metabolized, leading to the accumulation of a substance called homogentisic acid in the body. The […]

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What is alkaptonuria disease?

Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the body’s inability to properly break down certain amino acids, specifically phenylalanine and tyrosine. This results in the accumulation of a substance called homogentisic acid in the body. Individuals with alkaptonuria lack an enzyme called homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase, which is responsible for metabolizing homogentisic acid. As a result, […]

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What enzyme deficiency causes alkaptonuria?

Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD). This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of an amino acid called phenylalanine and a related compound called tyrosine. In individuals with alkaptonuria, the HGD enzyme is either absent or not functioning properly, leading to a buildup of a […]

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